Articles | Volume 26, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-4531-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-4531-2026
Research article
 | 
02 Apr 2026
Research article |  | 02 Apr 2026

Three-dimensional hollow tubular structure of rocket chemical depletion

Chunyu Deng, Xiangxiang Yan, Tao Yu, Chunliang Xia, and Yifan Qi

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Cited articles

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Barker, C. R., Marais, E. A., and McDowell, J. C.: Global 3D rocket launch and re-entry air pollutant and CO2 emissions at the onset of the megaconstellation era, Sci. Data, 11, 1079, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03910-z, 2024. 
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Short summary
A rocket launch released gases high into the atmosphere and caused a large region where the number of free electrons dropped sharply. We combined satellite measurements, ground observations, and simulations to reveal the three-dimensional shape and evolution of this electron loss for the first time. The depletion formed quickly, expanded as the gases spread, and then slowly recovered. These results help us understand how frequent launches briefly disturb the space environment above Earth.
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